In A Summer Breeze, André Romijn once again demonstrates his keen ability to weave light, colour, and character into a harmonious whole. This oil painting radiates a joyful energy, capturing both the fleeting freshness of a summer day and the enduring warmth of human presence.
The subject’s expression is luminous — a knowing, soft smile paired with eyes that sparkle with intelligence and quiet confidence. Romijn’s delicate modeling of the facial features shows a refined sensitivity to form and light. He balances realism with painterly looseness, allowing the viewer to feel both the physicality and the spirit of the sitter.
The background deserves special attention. With a lively interplay of crimson, pink, and soft coral tones, Romijn crafts an environment that feels rich yet weightless. The background is not a passive element; it seems almost to breathe and shimmer, echoing the vibrancy of the figure without overwhelming her. His confident, textured brushwork creates a tactile energy that enlivens the entire canvas.
The cool, serene blue of the woman’s dress acts as the perfect foil to the warm background. Romijn’s treatment of the garment — with its dynamic yet controlled strokes — suggests movement, like a gentle breeze stirring the folds of fabric. The tonal variations in the blue further enhance the impression of natural light cascading over the form.
Particularly striking is the play of warm and cool hues throughout the composition: subtle hints of orange in the hair, the cool undertones of the skin, and the vivid pop of blue in the eyes. This masterful balance creates an overall unity, yet leaves enough tension to keep the viewer’s gaze engaged.
Romijn’s style in A Summer Breeze recalls the sensibilities of late 19th-century impressionist portraiture — think of Berthe Morisot or John Singer Sargent — while firmly maintaining a contemporary freshness. The painting feels both timeless and immediate, inviting not only admiration but a quiet emotional connection.
In A Summer Breeze, Romijn offers more than a portrait; he captures a feeling — the ephemeral joy, the whispered stories of light and air, the inner life just beneath the surface. It is a celebration of presence, simplicity, and beauty.
Details:
Oil on paper
